Jerusalem 2011

Run Time:
3 hours, with two intermissions
Opened: April 21, 2011
Closing: August 21, 2011

Jerusalem - 2011 - Broadway History , Info & More

Tony and Olivier Award-winning star Mark Rylance (La Bête, Boeing-Boeing) recreates his wildly acclaimed, multi award-winning performance as Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron on Broadway in the Royal Court Theatre production of Jez Butterworth’s universally heralded new play, Jerusalem.



In the woods of South West England, Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron, former daredevil motorcyclist and modern-day Pied Piper, is a wanted man. The council officials want to serve him an eviction notice, his son wants to be taken to the country fair, a stepfather wants to give him a serious kicking and a motley crew of friends wants his ample supply of drugs and alcohol.



Directed by Ian Rickson (from the acclaimed Broadway production of The Seagull), Jerusalem is the winner of the 2009 Evening Standard and London Critics’ Circle Awards and the 2010 Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Award for Best Play.

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Jerusalem

The Chav Anthem That Is Jerusalem
9 / 10

Only the glorious bag-of-bones Mackenzie Crook, playing an aging forever-hometown boy in a tragic hoodie, even gets close to getting close to Rylance's Rooster. But even he can't hold Rylance's eyeline for long....the show is testament to the ever-­expanding voice and vision of Butterworth, whose mighty verbal broadsword just freakin' sings.

'Jerusalem'
6 / 10

But the play, which runs more than three hours, yields diminishing returns. The plot goes in circles and collapses during a contrived meeting between Johnny and Marky. Fortunately, Rylance keeps you from tuning out. He won the 2008 Tony for his hilarious clowning in 'Boeing-Boeing,' and in 'La Bete' earlier this season, he was sheer delight as a buffoonish actor. As Johnny, a cross between the Pied Piper and Fagan, he does everything he can, including handstands, to create a vivid and ultimately touching portrait of a magnetic maniac. Johnny's stories of giants may be nonsense, but there's no denying that Rylance wows you with performances that are larger than life.

JERUSALEM Closes Today
by BWW News Desk - August 21, 2011

JERUSALEM has extended its limited engagement on Broadway for an additional four weeks. The critically acclaimed, award-winning production will now run through August 21 at the Music Box Theatre (230 West 45th Street).

Mark Rylance Gifts JERUSALEM's Inspiration, Michael Lay, with his 2011 Tony
by Jessica Lewis - July 29, 2011

The UK's Independent reports that Tony Award winner Mark Rylance has given away his 2011 trophy, which he received for Best Performance by an Actor for Jerusalem, to Mickey Lay - a British man who inspired Rylance's performance.

Jay Sullivan Takes Over for John Gallagher Jr. in JERUSALEM's Final 5 Weeks
by Nicole Rosky - July 19, 2011

JERUSALEM, a new play by Jez Butterworth, is now in its final five weeks on Broadway. The limited engagement, extended once, ends Sunday, August 21 as scheduled at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street), prior to the production returning to London's West End, where it will begin performances on October 8 at the Apollo Theatre.

Mark Rylance to Bring JERUSALEM to West End's Apollo Theatre October 17
by Nicole Rosky - July 11, 2011

Ian Rickson's Royal Court Theatre production of Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem will return to London's West End for a strictly limited 14 week engagement hot on the heels of a triumphant Broadway run. Mark Rylance will reprise his Olivier and Tony award-wining performance as Johnny 'Rooster' Byron, directed by Ian Rickson. Previewing at the Apollo Theatre from 8 October 2011, with press night on 17 October, Jerusalem is booking until 14 January 2012. Designs are by Ultz, with lighting by Mimi Jordan Sherin, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph and music by Stephen Warbeck. Jerusalem is produced in the West End by Royal Court Theatre Productions and by Sonia Friedman Productions.

STAGE TUBE: Backstage at Broadway's JERUSALEM!
by Nicole Rosky - June 29, 2011

JERUSALEM, a new play by Jez Butterworth and starring Tony and Olivier Award-winner Mark Rylance opened April 21 at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street), in a production directed by Ian Rickson. JERUSALEM originally opened at The Royal Court Theatre in July, 2009. The production played an extended sold out run at the Royal Court, before moving to the Apollo Theatre in the West End in January, 2010, where it received an unprecedented set of five-star reviews from 12 London newspapers.

JERUSALEM & Mark Rylance Heading Back to the UK This Fall
by Nicole Rosky - June 15, 2011

JERUSALEM, a new play by Jez Butterworth and starring Tony and Olivier Award-winner Mark Rylance opened April 21 at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street), in a production directed by Ian Rickson. JERUSALEM originally opened at The Royal Court Theatre in July, 2009 with critics praising Jez Butterworth for his beautiful and comic elegy for a disappearing way of life in rural England and actor Mark Rylance, who was lauded as delivering one of the great stage performances of our time. The production played an extended sold out run at the Royal Court, before moving to the Apollo Theatre in the West End in January, 2010, where it received an unprecedented set of five-star reviews from 12 London newspapers.

BWW TV: 2011 Tony Awards Winners Circle - Mark Rylance on Tony #2: 'It feels heavy!'
by Jessica Lewis - June 14, 2011

Mark Rylance is the 2011 recipient of the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play for Jerusalem. Broadway Beat's Richie Ridge spoke with the star immediately following his acceptance about what winning the award means to him. Click below to catch up with the quirky star right after his big moment!

Theatre Communications Group to Publish JERUSALEM and GOOD PEOPLE
by Nicole Rosky - June 9, 2011

Theatre Communications Group (TCG) is pleased to announce the publication of two Tony Award® nominees for Best Play: Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth.

JERUSALEM Announces Rush T-Shirt Give-Away
by Nicole Rosky - June 7, 2011

JERUSALEM is pleased to announce a special giveaway for the show's daily rush tickets, sold every morning at 10:00 AM for the day's performance. The first two customers in line will win a 'Farewell Lee?' t-shirt, fashioned after the costume worn by Tony Award-winner John Gallagher Jr., in the critically acclaimed and award-winning production. The t-shirt is not commercially available.

JERUSALEM Extends Bway Run Through 8/21
by Nicole Rosky - May 25, 2011

JERUSALEM has extended its limited engagement on Broadway for an additional four weeks. The critically acclaimed, award-winning production will now run through August 21 at the Music Box Theatre (230 West 45th Street).

JERUSALEM's Rylance and Playwright Butterworth Featured on Tonight's 'Theater Talk'
by Charlie Piane - May 13, 2011

Tonight's edition of 'Theater Talk' will feature JERUSALEM's Tony-nominated star Mark Rylance and Tony-nominated playwright Jez Butterworth. 'Theater Talk' airs tonight at 12:30 AM on WNET-TV, Channel 13 and on CUNY TV on Saturday, May 14 at 8:30 PM, Sunday, May 15 at 12:30 PM and Monday, May 16 at 7:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

Tony Interview Special: JERUSALEM's Mackenzie Crook on His Love Affair with Theatre
by Nicole Rosky - May 4, 2011

Yesterday morning, past Tony winners Anika Noni Rose and Matthew Broderick announced the 2011 Tony Awards nominees live from the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts in New York City. Today, BroadwayWorld talked to this year's nominees to hear their exciting stories of their reactions to the news. JERUSALEM star Mackenzie Crook went on the record about his nomination and his long journey with the show!

Photo Coverage: IN THE SPOTLIGHT Series - JERUSALEM
by Walter McBride - April 24, 2011

JERUSALEM, the critically acclaimed and multi-award winning play by Jez Butterworth and starring Tony and Olivier Award-winner Mark Rylance (Boeing-Boeing, La Bête), began previews on April 2, at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). The production, directed by Ian Rickson, opened on April 21 and will play a limited 16-week engagement. Here are the first photos in a new BroadwayWorld.com series 'In The Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride that takes a look at the stars on opening night!

BWW TV: Broadway Beat Covers JERUSALEM Opening Night!
by Broadway Beat - April 22, 2011

JERUSALEM, the critically acclaimed and multi-award winning play by Jez Butterworth and starring Tony and Olivier Award-winner Mark Rylance (Boeing-Boeing, La Bête), began previews on April 2, at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). The production, directed by Ian Rickson, opened last night, April 21 and will play a limited 16-week engagement. Broadway Beat was there to capture the opening night fun!

Photo Coverage: JERUSALEM Opening Night After Party
by Walter McBride - April 22, 2011

JERUSALEM, the critically acclaimed and multi-award winning play by Jez Butterworth and starring Tony and Olivier Award-winner Mark Rylance (Boeing-Boeing, La Bête), began previews on April 2, at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). The production, directed by Ian Rickson, opened last night, April 21 and will play a limited 16-week engagement. BroadwayWorld.com was there to capture the cast on their way into the opening night party!

Photo Coverage: JERUSALEM Opening Night Red Carpet
by Walter McBride - April 22, 2011

JERUSALEM, the critically acclaimed and multi-award winning play by Jez Butterworth and starring Tony and Olivier Award-winner Mark Rylance (Boeing-Boeing, La Bête), began previews on April 2, at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). The production, directed by Ian Rickson, opened last night, April 21 and will play a limited 16-week engagement. BroadwayWorld.com was there to capture the opening night red carpet!

Photo Coverage: JERUSALEM Opening Night Curtain Call
by Walter McBride - April 22, 2011

JERUSALEM, the critically acclaimed and multi-award winning play by Jez Butterworth and starring Tony and Olivier Award-winner Mark Rylance (Boeing-Boeing, La Bête), began previews on April 2, at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). The production, directed by Ian Rickson, opened last night, April 21 and will play a limited 16-week engagement. BroadwayWorld.com was there to capture the opening night curtain call!

Broadway Review Roundup: JERUSALEM!
by Kelsey Denette - April 21, 2011

JERUSALEM opened at The Royal Court Theatre in July, 2009 with critics praising Jez Butterworth for his beautiful and comic elegy for a disappearing way of life in rural England and actor Mark Rylance, who was lauded as delivering one of the great stage performances of our time. The production played an extended sold out run at the Royal Court, before moving to the Apollo Theatre in the West End in January, 2010, where it received an unprecedented set of five-star reviews from 12 London newspapers. Will it garner the same reception across the pond? Let's find out!

Jerusalem FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Jerusalem have there been?
Jerusalem has had 2 productions including Broadway which opened in 2011 and West End which opened in 2011.
What Tony Awards has Jerusalem been nominated for?
Jerusalem has been nominated for several Tony Awards. It was nominated for Best Play, Best Lighting Design of a Play for Mimi Jordan Sherin, Best Scenic Design of a Play for Ultz, and Best Sound Design of a Play for Ian Dickinson.
What awards has Jerusalem been nominated for?
Jerusalem has been nominated for several awards, including the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for Mark Rylance. It has also been nominated for the Best Foreign Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and Mark Rylance has received Special Citations from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards as well.
What awards has Jerusalem won?
Jerusalem has won several awards, including the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for Mark Rylance. It also received the Best Foreign Play award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and Mark Rylance received Special Citations at the same awards.

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